The Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which can be found in raw or undercooked seafood, saltwater, and brackish water, led to the death of two people since January in Hillsborough County, home of Tampa, according to the Florida Department of Health. An additional person died in each of the surrounding Pasco, Polk and Sarasota counties. Florida has recorded a total of 26 cases statewide this year.
The bacteria has led to other recent deaths in the Northeast, where New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced thevirusbacteria was detected in a person who died in Long Island.
You may have heard that you can get Vibrio infection from eating raw or undercooked oysters and other seafood. But did you know you can also get a Vibrio infection through an open wound? This can happen when a wound comes into contact with raw or undercooked seafood, its juices, or its drippings or with saltwater or brackish water.*
One species, Vibrio vulnificus, can cause life-threatening wound infections. Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection require intensive care or limb amputations, and about 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.
Some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies. Some media reports call this kind of infection “flesh-eating bacteria,” even though necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by more than one type of bacteria.
That is nasty. Vibrio is the genus that gives us Cholera too.Astronuc said:Rare flesh-eating bacteria kills 5 in Florida, 3 in New York, Connecticut
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...nificus-bacteria-kills-5-florida/70631024007/
Warming waters may enhance the presence of Vibrio in the water and in seafood.
https://www.cdc.gov/vibrio/wounds.html
https://news.yahoo.com/us-mom-loses-limb-seafood-vibrio-explainer-180555130.htmlHer fingers were black, her feet were black, her bottom lip was black. She had complete sepsis and her kidneys were failing,"
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found in warm seawater. It is part of the Vibrio family, which also includes the bacteria that cause cholera. This bacterium can cause serious infections in humans, particularly through open wounds or by consuming contaminated seafood.
Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe infections that may lead to septicemia, a life-threatening condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. It can also cause necrotizing fasciitis, a rapidly spreading infection that destroys tissues. These conditions can be fatal, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic liver disease.
Infections are most commonly reported in coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico, particularly in states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. However, cases have also been reported along the Atlantic coast and other coastal regions where the water is warm.
People with weakened immune systems, chronic liver disease, diabetes, or other underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe infections. Additionally, individuals who have open wounds and come into contact with warm seawater or consume raw or undercooked shellfish are at increased risk.
To reduce the risk of infection, avoid exposing open wounds to warm seawater and wear protective clothing if necessary. It's also important to handle and cook seafood properly. Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, and ensure that seafood is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).